Claire and the team were present in the conference room by the time Verena came in with her secretary.
The team members were obviously not happy with the decision but they didn't had any other choice other than to follow the order from higher ups.
Normally Claire would show off her after snatching something from Verena but today she did not even have the time to spare her a glance.
The project was handed over a short period of time and Claire had been busy since four in the morning.
Fifteen minutes before the meeting starts, people began pouring in the meeting room, Ovidius was the last one to enter. Verena crossed her legs and glanced at him once, and turned her gaze back to the projection screen.
Last night after returning to her room, she ordered someone to check Ovidius's information. Verena was not the only one who did this.
The cooperation and the successor news kept many people up the whole night. Both the news will bring many changes in the business circle, it will be seen as opportunity to some while some will trembles under such changes.
Verena got the report in her hands early this morning. Unfortunately, she only found some basic information, mostly before Ovidius went abroad.
Ovidius went abroad with his mother at age of nine to get treated for his heart diseases. His mother passed away later and he returned alone.
There is a lot of information about the family before they shifted abroad but nothing after that. Even Dakarai and Ovidius return date is not confirmed.
It is as if the family of three disappeared from the face of earth and suddenly reappeared yesterday. Therefore, there was nothing useful.
Dakarai must have returned few years back so why is there nothing on him till today?
During the meeting, Ovidius occasionally asks some questions without saying anything else. Verena can't figure out his mood.
Claire let out a satisfied smile on seeing the presentation concluded successfully.
Verena who had studied every minute detail made sure everything could see Claire had done a good job considering she did this in one day. Due to time restraint, she missed some details but the other members can handle those matters.
Claire good performance made Verena felt resentful. All her efforts in this project resulted to see someone else getting her credit.
At the time of making of plans, Verena had to deal with pressure from all sides as it was right after Claire's proposal was rejected. Most of the directors and Heimirich did not have any expectation from her and told her to stop wasting her time. But she did not give up.
The person on Ovidius right and Ovidius discuss something in hushed voices for a minute.
Ovidius looked at Claire, "Miss Claire, why did the person head change suddenly? We were not notified of this change. It should be Miss Verena who should be in-charge, right?Shouldn't we know the reason?"
Verena sweeps a glance across the table in surprise. It was a question she expected from anyone but him.
Claire was caught off guard for a second.
Claire put back her formal smile and she answers readily, "There were some urgent matters and dad had to transfer sister to another project. My father is the actual head of project, my sister was working under his orders. I will be communicating with you from now on behalf of my father, there will be no problems."
The statement was convincing but there was a big problem that Claire herself didn't realize. Claire wants to lead Verena's team but she doesn't even think for a moment that the team members might not want to follow her.
These members have followed Verena and respect her, Claire forcefully inserted herself in the team which will create frictions and create problems in communication in members.
"Mr. Heimirich is thoughtful." Claire couldn't figure out if it was a compliment or an insult. Ovidius words were simple but Verena vaguely heard something amiss.
People around them did not notice anything wrong. He seems gentle, friendly and easy going as always but Verena who caught a glimpse of his face behind the mask that night, detected he meant something by his words.
"We can continue with the project and head to next stage but on one condition," Ovidius meet Verena's eyes, "I want Miss Verena to be person in-charge."
Ovidius saw Verena looking at him in disbelief.
The people from The Research Laboratory were equally surprised. They naturally assumed Heimirich is the head so everything was managed by him therefore it doesn't matter whether the person communicating with them changes or not.
A sinking feeling settled in Claire's heart. This is not the result she wanted. Why is he making things difficult for her?
It took her a moment to get back her composure, she forced a smile on her face and asked with some difficulty, "Is there something wrong? I can make adjustment as long as it is within my range."
Why does he want Verena to be in-charge? Where is she inferior to Verena? If she Verena can do it, so can she.
"If I am not wrong, Miss Verena prepared the proposal, I think working with Miss Verena will be more efficient."
"But-"
"I don't want changes in the middle. If there is any problem, I can talk to Heimirich directly. This is early stage so I also hope the problems can be resolved quickly so we can begin with next stage."
Everyone in the room understood the subtext. It is his way of saying that he will not work until his condition are met.
Claire left the conference room as soon as the break began. She went to Heimirich to talk about the situation. Heimirich did not attend the meeting because according to him he since Dakarai is not attending there is no need for him too.
Verena snaped out of the daze, slowly got up and went back to her office. She asked Lia to buy sandwiches from the cafe downstairs and walked inside. Before she could reach her desk, a knock sounded on the door.
The door is pushed open and there is sound of footsteps. Verena glanced over her shoulder and froze in her place.
Ovidius walks in before closing the door behind him. He walked past her carrying two cups of coffee and sat on her customized chair as if lounging in his own office.
Verena remained frozen in shock till he sat down. His actions bear an uncanny resemblance to a night she wants to erase from her memories. She stopped beside the office chair and glared at him, "Get off my
chair."
Verena dislikes anyone touching her things.
She keeps her dresses, jewelry and customized items out of anyone's hand. Till now no one dared to sit on her chair, not even Claire.
She had the whole office after getting her first paycheck. She spent a lot of money to get her desk and chair customized. She feels only by being the most comfortable and being surrounded by what they like, can people can become efficient and get great ideas.
Ovidius raised his eyebrows noticing her anger and looked down at the chair. What's especially about this chair? But he wisely stood up and stepped aside.
Verena immediately took his place immediately lest he sat down again. Instead, Ovidius gentlemanly helps her push the chair in.
He looks around the office and sat down in the visitor chair. He crossed his legs and brought the coffee to his side and pushes the other towards Verena. Verena picks up the coffee and examines it cautiously.
"It is not poisoned; I will die if I kill you." Ovidius adds on meeting her suspicious gaze.
He puts down the cup and raises his head, "Your sister hates you." It was not a question but a statement.
"I know, what do you want?" They might have met each other two days ago but she could see he is not the type of person who helps people freely, he must have wanted something from her.
No matter how much Heimirich tries to act calm on surface, he is anxious deep down. He went far as to announce the news of cooperation on the anniversary celebration before the cooperation was finalized to put pressure on the Laboratory. It was a sly trick.
The Laboratory has more power in this cooperation from the beginning. Heimirich will never let it go no matter the condition it put forward. As soon as Ovidius put forward the condition, Verena knew the condition will be met.
This project is important project for Red Kite till this date. It can push Red Kite to new heights, to the point where no brand can match its power.
"I want to enter Anderson mansion freely."
Verena stared at him in confusion, "You can go whenever you want to go." Heimirich will let him in without even asking, to the point that he would happily make him son-in-law.
"-without anyone knowing."